4th of July and Fireworks

Fireworks in the Mountains?

At first I thought this would be silly to write this. I mean people should know you don't shoot off fireworks in the mountains, especially in the desert. But I have seen some stupid things such as hiking in July with temps exceeding 100 degrees during the hottest part of the day! Well, at least the hike was not in Lake Mead, but it's damn hot in Red Rock in July.

To get back to fireworks in the mountains: It's stupid. One mistake and thousands of acres in Mt. Charleston could be destroyed. Mt. Charleston is a boxed in canyon. There's only one way out. So, if you are headed to the mountains this weekend, leave the fireworks at home.

For the last 10 years or more I have been hiking to Mack's Peak in Mt. Charleston on the 4th of July. Why? It's a short hike, so people can be back in plenty of time to watch fireworks.

Have a good 4th of July and I will see you on a summit,

Branch